Show Don't Tell: Matthew 5:31-37

Instead of saying "Jesus raised the standard for divorce and truthfulness," feel the tightening. The Law allowed divorce with a certificate—a legal protection for the woman. But Jesus presses deeper: "Anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery." Marriage isn't disposable. Then oaths: the rabbis had elaborate categories—swear by heaven, by earth, by Jerusalem, by your own head. Some oaths binding, others not. Jesus sweeps it all away: "Do not swear an oath at all." Not by heaven—it's God's throne. Not by earth—his footstool. Not by Jerusalem—the great King's city. Not by your head—you can't even change one hair white or black. "All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." Imagine a community where everyone's word is their bond. No elaborate promises needed because simple truth is enough.